Computer shut down suddenly and won't start again

danyjr · 18 Oct 2011 at 11:32

Hi there,

basically I was watching YouTube when my computer suddenly shut down instantly (no blue screen or anything). I tried turning it back on by pressing the power switch and it started for a few seconds and shut down again and I did this for a few times and same results. I left it sit for an hour or so and it started working again.

what might the problem be/have been?

CinderzFTW · 18 Oct 2011 at 11:57

Sounds like an overheating problem, or it maybe the PSU.

When you can load up, go into the bios and check the temps, or simply look inside the case to see if the fan is working or the heatsink might be loose. Happens on Intel coolers sometimes.

Also, try a different PSU to see if that sorts things out!

danyjr · 18 Oct 2011 at 12:41

Well...this keeps happening. I opened the case to see if the CPU fan is working (Currently using a Core i7 with stock fan, not overclocked) and it is moving.

Few screens from BIOS with time progressing in a 3 minute period. Looks like the CPU tempurature is rising a lot despite the fan moving (maybe not with sufficient speed/RPM). I'm quite confused.

Buchanan0204 · 18 Oct 2011 at 12:59

TURN THE PC OFF

It's definitely overheating. Your heatsink will have came loose. That's why it's super important to fit them properly. Turn the PC off, wait 20 minuts or so for it to cool down. Buy some thermal paste if you don't have any. Then reseat the heatsink with new paste.

PhoenixSP · 18 Oct 2011 at 13:03

i agree with the above post your cpu should be no where near that temp and will be permanently damaged running at it.

danyjr · 18 Oct 2011 at 13:15

but I have not moved my computer for a good couple of years, how can the heat sink suddenly turn loose? don't you think it's the fan running at low RPM?

EDIT: This system is around 2.5 years old btw.

Deception · 18 Oct 2011 at 14:04

danyjr said:
but I have not moved my computer for a good couple of years, how can the heat sink suddenly turn loose? don't you think it's the fan running at low RPM?

EDIT: This system is around 2.5 years old btw.

Try reseating the cooler, as well as changing the thermal paste. See how that goes.

CinderzFTW · 18 Oct 2011 at 14:05

WOW! Your lucky your pc did not burn to a crisp!

Deception · 18 Oct 2011 at 14:09

CinderzFTW said:
WOW! Your lucky your pc did not burn to a crisp!

Thats what the auto-shutdown feature is for

CinderzFTW · 18 Oct 2011 at 14:10

Deception said:
Thats what the auto-shutdown feature is for

Indeed, reason I have it turned on. Just didn't think of it in this thread!

danyjr · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:06

Well I have a bit of trouble putting the heatsink/fan back in.

The long (shown in green) pins go in well and 'click' but I have trouble getting the short (shown in red) pins to go in and they're still loose. No matter how hard I push I can't get them in and I don't want to push too hard.

Do I have to remove the mobo from the case to attempt this?

In the meantime I want to thank the people who have helped so far. Really appreciate helping a noob! :-)

Deception · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:32

Sounds like the board is bowing inwards when you put pressure, so it isnt making up the gap. Try putting them in diagonally or just take it out the case so you dont accidentally do any damage.

CinderzFTW · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:32

No you won't have to remove the motherboard for this.

All the pins should be the same length. If not, the cooler won't sit properly and their is the cause of the all problems with the over heating.

Intel coolers are idiotic to get on, especially the stock versions. My misses stock cooler was hanging off and she was idling at 60C.

May need another cooler dude

Stoner81 · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:34

It should just fit in nice and easy. Are you sure you have the correct heat sink and fan for your system?

EDIT

Intel stock coolers are not wonderful so it might be worth you investing in a much better cooler, you can get a good air cooler for about £20 from OCUK, one like THIS would be a good buy.

Stoner81.

Deception · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:35

CinderzFTW said:
No you won't have to remove the motherboard for this.

All the pins should be the same length. If not, the cooler won't sit properly and their is the cause of the all problems with the over heating.

Intel coolers are idiotic to get on, especially the stock versions. My misses stock cooler was hanging off and she was idling at 60C.

May need another cooler dude

Its not that they're short, its because he put in one side, which is then causing the other side to tilt upwards and giving the illusion of being short. Either that or they're snapped, which I doubt. Don't worry about putting a little pressure on the board, they're used to this kind of abuse

danyjr · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:39

Deception said:
Sounds like the board is bowing inwards when you put pressure, so it isnt making up the gap. Try putting them in diagonally or just take it out the case so you dont accidentally do any damage.

I have tried that unfortunately doesn't matter which orientation or sequence I push the pins in, always the two mentioned in the picture are the ones that can go in.

Deception · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:41

danyjr said:
I have tried that unfortunately doesn't matter which orientation or sequence I push the pins in, always the two mentioned in the picture are the ones that can go in.

Do they look short compared to the others when you take it out the case and look at it?

danyjr · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:41

CinderzFTW said:
No you won't have to remove the motherboard for this.

All the pins should be the same length. If not, the cooler won't sit properly and their is the cause of the all problems with the over heating.

Intel coolers are idiotic to get on, especially the stock versions. My misses stock cooler was hanging off and she was idling at 60C.

May need another cooler dude

No they are not longer, but when dismounted, you can push and pull the top two and they sort of elongate.

CinderzFTW · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:47

Stoner81 said:
It should just fit in nice and easy. Are you sure you have the correct heat sink and fan for your system?

EDIT

Intel stock coolers are not wonderful so it might be worth you investing in a much better cooler, you can get a good air cooler for about £20 from OCUK, one like THIS would be a good buy.

Stoner81.

I agree with Stoner81.

The Arctic Freezer Pro 7 Rev. 2 is a good cooler. I got one on my overclocked Athlon Quad and even overclocked, it idles/underload 10C lower than the stock cooler.

grandmaster · 18 Oct 2011 at 15:49

1. Definately an overheating problem with the CPU.
2. Please please buy a good after market cooler. Arctic Cooler 7 Rev2 is on sale
for £15 from Overclockers.
3. I bet you, the plastic around your pins are either broke or bent, which is why its loose.
4. I have the same problem with mine, however it is just about stable enough
for me to do my work.
5. As a temporary fix, hat you should do is, turn the CPU cooler upside down so you can see the pins and they are facing you. Then, you should be able to push the pins down, and they will sort of lock in place. So youre revealing the plastic inside pin, by pushing down on the black outer pin cover.
Once you do this, have your fingers on all four pins making sure the black outer pin cover remains locked, place the CPU cooler over your pin mounts (it might take a few try's to get it in place.) Once you do this, you can then push down on the black pins to lock in the inside pins in the motherboard.
Once you do this, try adjusting it slightly! Not too strong. If it fits. Then you have a temporary solution.

I would suggest leaving the sides of your case open, until you pick up a new cooler.
Also, hoover out any dust in the CPU cooler before you attach it.